The SCV Mayor’s Committee for Employment of Individuals with Disabilities recently celebrated the hiring of those with barriers to employment.

Joining the group was Keynote Speaker Mr. Robert David Hall. Hall has for the past 16 seasons starred as Dr. Al Robins, medical examiner on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigations”. He came to share his personal story of both tragedy and recovery, as the victim of a horrific automobile accident and his subsequent journey to a successful working career and advocate for those with disabilities.

In attendance was an enthusiastic audience of local employers and community members which included Rachelle Dardeau, Executive Director of the SCV Senior Center; Gloria Mercado – Fortine, Governing Board Member, Wm. S. Hart UHSD; Bruce Fortine, Governing Board Member, College of the Canyons; Vanessa Wilk, and Kris Hough – Deputy Director for Assemblyman Scott Wilk; City Councilman, Dante Acosta; and Mayor Pro Tem, Bob Kellar who presented Mr. Hall with an appreciation certificate from the City of Santa Clarita.

The meeting was opened by current Mayor’s Committee Chairperson, Anna Bettencourt. The guests were provided with breakfast by Chartwell’s, and the meeting concluded with Opportunity Prize drawings. In addition to the festivities, the Committee recognized the following local employers who support the hiring of individuals with disabilities: AMS Fulfillment, Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley,

The Canyon Theater Guild, CPS Security, EXACT Staff, Lynnvision Inc., New Life Assembly of God, Real Life Church, Red Lobster, Six Flags, and William S. Har t Regional Park.

The purpose of the SCV Mayor’s Committee is to encourage and promote the employment of individuals with disabilities, and maintain an understanding by employers, public and private agencies, and the general public regarding the benefits of employing persons with disabilities. You can visit them on the web at www.SCVMayorsCommittee.org, or contact them at: scvmcemploy@gmail.com; or 661‐259‐0033 ext. 500.